Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce The Big Apple, a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.

An “Arkansas toothpick” is a 19th century term for a knife. A knife was sometimes (rarely) also called a “Texas toothpick.”

“Texas toothpicks” is a 1990s name for jalapeño peppers and onions that are shaved into straws, lightly breaded, and deep fried. The term “Texas toothpicks” is used in restaurants and bars across the country, so it is not known if it originated in Texas.

Nieman-Marcus trademarked “Texas Toothpicks” for chocolate-covered pretzels (first used in 1978), but this term was short-lived.

June 1888, Southern Cultivator, pg. 285:
The “Texas Toothpick.”
Very strong; large blade, wide, keep and compact; German silver finish.

18 June 1995, New York Times, “A Lively Place for Snacking and Grazing” by M. H. Reed, pg. WC17:
Although some preparations were too hot for our taste, diners who like spicy heat might enjoy crisp Thai noodles with peanut sauce and Texas toothpicks, breaded and deep-fried slivers of onion and hot jalapeno.

10 April 1998, Elyria (Ohio) Chronicle-Telegraph, Entertainment, pg. 8:
Our appetizers of Lizard Lips (breaded chicken breast strips) and Texas Toothpicks (battered onion and jalapeno strips) were brought to our table in a reasonable amount of time for the number of people packed in the restaurant.